Former Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan has announced he will not run in this year’s presidential election, citing concerns about his family being exposed to “personal abuse,” which he says is becoming “increasingly normalised”, reports RTE.
Dr Holohan shared that he had been approached by several individuals from across Ireland encouraging him to stand as a candidate in the upcoming election.
“However, after a lot of careful consideration and reflection I have decided not to seek a nomination to contest the election,” he said in a statement. He noted that he had spoken extensively with friends, colleagues, past candidates, and those with “much more political experience than I have”, reports RTE.
“But the most important conversations I have had have been my family; my wife and my children in particular,” the 58-year-old added, reports RTE.
He explained that the main factor behind his decision was a desire to shield his family “from the kind of personal abuse which is becoming increasingly normalised in Irish politics generally and in presidential elections in particular”.
“I understand the very tough nature of modern politics and while I am more than capable of defending my reputation and the decisions which I have taken, over a long career during challenging times in public service my family is not,” he said, reports RTE.
“I cannot now expose them to further distress, criticism or abuse at a time when we are all still rebuilding our lives.”
Dr Holohan emphasised the importance of presidential elections in Irish public life, reports RTE.
“I earnestly hope that the coming campaign is marked by civilized and respectful debate and reflection as we all try to imagine and agree on the values and qualities we wish to see in our next President,” he said, reports RTE.
His announcement follows the withdrawal of former MEP Mairead McGuinness—previously considered a frontrunner to succeed President Michael D. Higgins—who stepped back due to health reasons.
In response to her exit, MEP Seán Kelly has stated that he will “most likely reconsider” his potential candidacy, rr
Meanwhile, Independent TD for Galway West, Catherine Connolly, formally launched her presidential campaign earlier this month with a press event outside Leinster House.
Entrepreneur Gareth Sheridan also officially kicked off his bid on Thursday, aiming to become Ireland’s youngest President at age 35.
Fine Gael’s national executive council is expected to meet this evening to review its strategy following Ms McGuinness’ decision to step aside, reports RTE.
There is growing speculation that Heather Humphreys may re-enter the race, especially as independent politicians such as Michael Healy-Rae, Seán Canney, and Noel Grealish have spoken positively about her public appeal.
Frances Fitzgerald, however, has reaffirmed her previous stance and confirmed she will not be seeking a nomination, reports RTE.
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